I've had only one really big battle - it was with GB and I had my "uber fleet" with nuff heavy first rates against Spain's bunch of 2nd and 3rd rates. Man, do those heavy 1sts pack some punch It's ace - just get like your 3 ships to fire at will chainshot at the eneemy's lead ship and hey presto - NO masts left and it buggers up the rest of the enemy formation - lotsa fun